I have a used 2008 Prius Base Package with less than 59K miles on it. I noticed these past few weeks that when I make a sharp right turn the audio turns off. At first I thought it was connection to my iPod, but it happens with the radio as well. I think it has something to do with the audio controls in the steering wheel, but I don’t know how to fix it or what to say to the mechanic so I don’t sound like a lunatic.

There’s a component behind the steering wheel called a clock spring. This clock spring is what allows the electrical controls on the turning steering wheel to maintain their connections to the wiring harness in the steering column. If the radio controls are on the steering wheel, the problem might be with the clock spring.

Just tell the tech what you stated here. You may be correct about the problem being in the steering column but I would guess somewhere else. Especially if there is a seperate amp for the audio channels. If there are speakers in the doors check the connections in the door jams and make sure they aren’t loose.